New Information on Possible Causes, Diagnostics, and Treatment Strategies

November 9-11, 2018San Diego, CA

ABOUT

The Summit on Neurodegenerative Disorders:

New Information on underlying Causes, Diagnostics, and Treatment Strategies

Today we are seeing dramatically increasing rates of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and Parkinson’s Disease. The causes of these disorders are multifactorial, with mounting evidence of contributing factors such as genetic mutations, nutritional deficiencies, chronic infection and inflammation, and exposure to environmental toxins like mold and heavy metals.

For this special engagement, Integrative Medicine for Mental Health (IMMH) is bringing healthcare practitioners the latest data and clinical implications for biomedical factors affecting brain health and mental health, with a specific emphasis on neurodegenerative disorders. New diagnostic strategies and treatment protocols will be presented that you can implement immediately in your practices. If you see patients with symptoms of any neurodegenerative disorders, this is an event you won’t want to miss!

IMMH CLINICIAN REGISTRY

Attendance at the summit (all three days or day two and day three) qualifies you to join our IMMH Clinician Registry, a searchable database for those looking for integrative practitioners in their area.

Presented By integrative medicine for mental health (IMMH):

SCHEDULE

Day 1 - november 9, 2018

The Great Plains Laboratory, Inc. Presents: The Clinical Significance of Organic Acids Testing

Organic acids testing is a diagnostic tool that every healthcare practitioner should know about. Whether you are a family physician, psychiatrist, or other type of practitioner, the information provided by organic acids testing can help identify underlying causes of a variety of chronic illnesses, including the symptoms of neuropsychiatric disorders like depression and anxiety, and neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. The presentations on this day of the summit will review some of the most clinically significant markers measured with organic acids testing to mental health and the health of the brain in general. or more information about the clinical significance of organic acids in mental health, click here.

7:30am | Registration and Breakfast

8:15am | Announcements

8:20am | Introduction To The Organic Acids Test and Why It Is So Important In Clinical Practice

KURT WOELLER, DO
Hundreds of organic acid metabolites are found in the urine of all mammals, including humans. These metabolites can be used for both diagnostic and therapeutic measurements for detecting abnormal gastrointestinal overgrowth or dysbiosis, assessing mitochondrial energy production, detecting genetic diseases, assessing malnutrition and suboptimum nutrition, revealing toxic exposure, finding alterations of neurotransmitter metabolites in neurological and psychiatric disorders, and assessing metabolites that cause severe inflammation in a variety of chronic illnesses.

10:00am | The Link Between Invasive Candida and Various Health Issues

KURT WOELLER, DO
The OAT evaluates for various fungal toxins, including specific markers for Candida. Many people rely on stool testing for Candida diagnosis and miss the presence of Candida toxins through the Organic Acid Test. Candida can lead to neurochemical imbalances in the brain, as well as sensory problems and self-stimulatory behavior (often seen in autism).

11:00am | Morning Break

11:30am | The Link Between Invasive Clostridia Bacteria Toxins and Various Health Issues

KURT WOELLER, DO
The OAT evaluates for two specific toxins related to Clostridia bacteria – HPHPA and 4-cresol. Both of these toxins can inhibit a dopamine converting enzyme, leading to excess dopamine and toxic reactions in the brain and nervous system. Problems such as moodiness, irritability, aggression, self-injurious behavior, sleep difficulties, and more can be associated with Clostridia bacteria overgrowth.

12:30pm | The Role of Oxalate Toxicity in Chronic Health Problems

KURT WOELLER, DO
The OAT includes glycolic and glyceric acids in the oxalate section, which can differentiate between genetic and nutritional components in disturbed oxalate metabolism. Oxalates are compounds found in many foods, and can be worsened by Candida overgrowth. High oxalates are associated with pain in the joints, muscles, and connective tissues. They can also trap heavy metals (such as mercury, lead, and arsenic) in the body and lead to mineral imbalances. Certain behavioral issues and self-injurious tendencies have been associated with high oxalates.

1:15pm | Lunch

2:15pm | Neurochemical Imbalances and Quinolinic Acid Toxicity

KURT WOELLER, DO
The OAT evaluates for imbalances in serotonin (an important brain and nervous system chemical for mood, fine and gross motor skills, and calmness), as well additional markers that can indicate toxic stress in the brain and nervous system, such as quinolinic acid. High quinolinic acid suggests toxic stress in the brain and is important to evaluate before prescribing certain supplements, particularly L-Tryptophan which is commonly used to help with sleep.

3:10pm | Afternoon Break

3:30pm | Case Studies and Treatment Options

KURT WOELLER, DO
This presentation will highlight various patient cases from clinical practice that show the role of biomedical intervention for various patient scenarios such as dietary therapy, yeast and Clostridia treatment, and methylation support.

4:45pm | Organic Acids and Mycotoxins: Correlations With Mold in Various Chronic Illnesses

WILLIAM SHAW, PHD
Recent discoveries have revealed strong correlations between specific markers on the Organic Acids Test and mycotoxin exposure. In this presentation, Dr. Shaw will review those correlations, including evidence in the literature linking them to health conditions such as autism and Parkinson’s disease. He will also discuss a recent case of autism that was rapidly recovered after antifungal treatment.

Day 2 - November 10, 2018

7:30am | Registration & Breakfast

8:00am | Announcements & Exhibitor Introductions

8:30am | Biochemical Factors in Alzheimer's Disease

WILLIAM SHAW, PHD
Alzheimer's disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Those with Alzheimer's live an average of eight years after their symptoms become noticeable to others, but survival can range from four to 20 years, depending on age and other health conditions. In 2015, there were approximately 29.8 million people worldwide with AD. It most often begins in people over 65 years, although 4% to 5% of cases are early-onset Alzheimer's which begin before this. It affects about 6% of people 65 years and older. Recent research is focused on multifactorial causes and treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and will be reviewed including genetic factors, nutritional deficiencies, toxic exposures, and nondrug treatments.

9:45am | Assessment of Memory Loss: A Neurobiologic Approach

KABRAN CHAPEK, ND
Patients of any age can suffer with cognitive difficulties. The patient that presents to your office with memory problems in their 40’s is convinced that they have early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Before referring them to a neurologist, there are things you can you do first to help assess their level of functional impairment. In this presentation, Dr. Chapek will break down a thorough assessment approach that can be integrated into the practice of a family or naturopathic physician. Cases and video throughout the presentation will help illustrate key points.

11:00am | Morning Break

11:30am | Invasion of the Brain Snatchers: Environmental and Infectious Influences on the Brain

MARK FILIDEI, DO
Do your patients really have a "mental illness" like OCD or depression, or is it an infection or toxins affecting their brains? This presentation will explore the work-up and effects of environmental toxins and infections on the brain and mental health.

1:00pm | Lunch

2:00pm | Mycotoxins: The Hidden Threat to Our Brains and Bodies

MARK FILIDEI, DO
Mold and fungi are ubiquitous in the environment. However, in "WDB" (water damaged buildings), and even some foods, mold can become a sinister force affecting physical and mental health. Not all molds are toxic and many just cause respiratory issues, but a subset of molds produce mycotoxins; powerful neurotoxins that can have a profound effect on the brain and mental health. The effects of mycotoxins, as well as testing, diagnosis, and treatment options will be discussed.

3:00pm | Afternoon Break

3:30pm | The Role of Toxic Chemicals in Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders

WILLIAM SHAW, PHD
Toxic chemicals frequently disrupt brain function through inhibition of mitochondrial function. The evidence for toxic chemical exposure in neurological and psychiatric disorders will be presented based on the medical literature. Case studies of patients with toxic exposures and tremors, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington’s disease will be discussed.

4:30pm | Risk Factors for Parkinson's Disease

WILLIAM SHAW, PHD
A number of factors increase risk of Parkinson’s disease, such as toxic chemical exposure, exposure to mold and mycotoxins, milk and wheat sensitivity, excess manganese exposure, and male sex. Parkinson’s case studies of favorable response to antifungal therapy, use of L-DOPA and glutathione treatments, and the potential role of Clostridia bacteria in causing death of dopamine-producing neurons and new potential therapies will be presented.

5:30pm | Q&A With All Speakers

Day 3 - November 11, 2018

7:30am | Breakfast

8:15am | Announcements

8:30am | Recovery Potential for MS, ALS, ALzheimer's and Parkinson's

BILL CODE, MD
Most of our neurodegenerative diseases are triggered or aggravated by toxic chemicals and neurotoxins. In this presentation, Dr. Code will review specific strategies of testing, treatment, and recovery from disorders like MS, ALS, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Case presentations will be included to assist with clinical application.

WILLIAM SHAW, PHD
An ongoing pilot study of 12 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) has taken place in which multiple biochemical factors have been evaluated. An overview of the nutritional research on MS will be presented along with the findings of this study. Some of the preliminary findings in MS patients include significant prevalence of molybdenum deficiency, exposure to toxic metals, and remarkable imbalances in the ratios of omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids. One of the most notable discoveries involves the levels of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) in these patients, which is highly correlated with many inflammatory diseases. PLA2 has been shown to be inhibited by several nutritional factors, which will be discussed as well.

10:30am | Morning Break

ALBERT MENSAH, MD
Tremendous focus has been placed on Tau protein and amyloid plaque research with regard to Alzheimer's over the years. The oxidative stress model not only provides hope in explanation disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, but also offers guidance in terms of treatment.

1:00pm | Lunch

2:00pm | Q&A

RICK SPONAUGLE, MD
In this presentation, Dr. Sponaugle will present several patient cases where he had success treating symptoms of various neurodegenerative conditions. He will review the patients’ presenting symptoms, diagnostic results, and treatment methods used in detail.

4:00pm | End of Conference

SPEAKERS

Kabran Chapek, ND

Dr. Kabran Chapek has been a staff physician at Amen Clinics since 2013. As a graduate of Bastyr University in the Seattle area, he is an expert in the use of functional and integrative treatments and collaborates extensively with many of the Amen Clinics physicians. He has a special interest in the assessment and treatment of Alzheimer’s and dementia, traumatic brain injuries, PTSD, and anxiety disorders. Dr. Chapek is the founding president of the Psychiatric Association of Naturopathic Physicians (PANP), an affiliate group of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP).

Bill Code, MD

Dr. Bill Code completed his medical degree at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon. He is Board Certified in Anesthesiology in both Canada and the United States. In addition to his anesthesiology practice, Dr. Code specialized in pain management. Dr. Code’s medical career came to an abrupt end in 1996, as a result of multiple sclerosis. Following some recovery from his MS, he studied integrative medicine under Dr. Andrew Weil at the University of Arizona. Dr. Code is the author of four books including Who is in Control of Your Multiple Sclerosis, Pieces of the MS Recovery Puzzle, Winning the Pain Game, and his brand new book, Winning the Brain Game. In his most recent book, Dr. Code provides a roadmap to enhance brain recovery through nutritional choices and safe interventions such as oxygen therapy.

Mark Filidei, DO

Mark Filidei, DO is an Internal Medicine physician who completed training in General Internal Medicine at Brown University. He is the Director of Integrative Medicine for the Amen Clinics, and is a staff physician at the Whitaker Wellness Institute, the largest Functional Medicine clinic in the United States, where he spent over a decade treating thousands of patients for multiple complex medical issues. Dr. Filidei is an officially trained member of ILADS and treats Lyme disease and mold illness with both natural and conventional treatments. Dr Filidei specializes in Hormone Replacement Therapy and the treatment of Mental Health disorders utilizing a functional medicine approach. He is a member of the Millenium TBI Network treating brain injury, and he is on staff at the University of California Irvine as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine where he teaches medical students and residents.

Albert Mensah, MD

Dr. Albert Mensah received his medical degree from Finch University of Health Sciences-Chicago Medical School. Dr. Mensah has extensive clinical experience in biochemical imbalances and currently serves as a faculty member of the Walsh Research Institute Medical Practitioner Education Program. As a physician in this specialized field since 2005, Dr. Mensah has treated over 3,000 patients with advanced targeted nutrient therapy. Dr, Mensah is co-founder of Mensah Medical in Warrenville, IL. His current practice includes the management of cognitive disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, behavior/learning disorders, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, anxiety syndromes, childhood and adult schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and family medicine.

William Shaw, PhD

William Shaw, PhD, is board certified in the fields of clinical chemistry and toxicology by the American Board of Clinical Chemistry. Before he founded The Great Plains Laboratory, Inc., Dr. Shaw worked for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Children's Mercy Hospital, University of Missouri at Kansas City School of Medicine, and Smith Kline Laboratories. He is the author of Biological Treatments for Autism and PDD, originally published in 1998 and Autism: Beyond the Basics, published in 2009. He is also a frequent speaker at conferences worldwide.

Rick Sponaugle, MD

Rick Sponaugle, MD received his medical degree from West Virginia University. He served as Chief of Anesthesiology for two different hospitals in Tampa Bay and is board certified in Addiction Medicine. Dr. Sponaugle is now an integrative physician with an emphasis on environmental medicine and tick-borne infections who specializes in treating brain and neurological disorders derived from severe neurotoxicity. He has performed analysis of 9,000 neurotransmitter patterns and 6,000 mold mycotoxin levels in neurotoxic patients. Dr. Sponaugle has written chapters on neurotoxicity for Suzanne Somers and has been featured on the Dr. Phil Show, Suzanne Somers Show, CNN, FOX News, ABC News, CBS News, NBC News, and PBS. Dr. Sponaugle is the medical director of Sponaugle Wellness Institute in Tampa Bay, Florida.

Kurt Woeller, DO

Kurt N. Woeller, DO has been an integrative medicine physician and biomedical autism specialist for over 20+ years. He is an author of several health books including Autism – The Road To Recovery, Methyl-B12 Therapy For Autism, Methyl-B12 for Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia, and“5 Things You MUST Do Right Now To Help With Your Rheumatoid Arthritis. He is an international speaker, educator, and practicing clinician offering specialized interventions for individuals with complex medical conditions. His health consulting practice for autism alone is multinational with families from various countries. Dr. Woeller serves as a lab advisor for BioHealth Laboratory, as well as provides educational seminars for The Great Plains Laboratory, Inc. He is cofounder of Integrative Medicine Academy (www.IntegrativeMedicineAcademy.com), which is an online training academy for health practitioners learning integrative medicine.

VENUE

Four Points by Sheraton San Diego

8110 Aero Drive San Diego, CA 92123

Centrally located in the San Diego Business District, Four Points San Diego is located near major tourist attractions like the San Diego Zoo and the Gaslamp Quarter. Unwind at the outdoor heated pool and oversized hot tub, grab a bite to eat at the restaurant, Citrus, or enjoy a local craft beer in Montfield Bar or Skies Lounge. Four Points San Diego has its own 9-hole, par-3 course right on property, opened in 1997, and designed by David Smith. Explore the hotel’s list of the best things to do in San Diego during your stay. At Four Points, they’ll make sure your trip to San Diego is one you'll never forget.

ROOM RESERVATIONS

A block of rooms is available for a discounted rate of $135/night. To reserve a room online, click here.Room block guarantee expires after October 8, 2018.

AIRPORT

The Four Points Sheraton San Diego is located just 15 minutes from San Diego International Airport (SAN). Complimentary shuttle service is provided.

PARKING

Overnight guests may park free of charge (normally $12.00/day).

ACCREDITATION

ACCREDITATION

CME credits are available for qualified credentials (see below). The fee is $100.00 for the full summit or just day 2 and day 3. The fee is $50.00 for just the Organic Acids Testing Workshop on day one. Please see below for details.

CME/CEU:

DAY ONEWestbrook University will provide 5 CME prescribed credits for the Clinical Significance of Organic Acids Testing. For information about these credits, click here. This day is not AAFP approved.

DAYS TWO & THREE

5 CME prescribed credits per day, provided by Westbrook University, have been approved by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) for MDs, DOs, NDs, DCs, LAcs, NPs, CNs, and PAs. AAFP Prescribed credit is accepted by the American Medical Association as equivalent to AMAPRA Category 1 Credit™ toward the AMA Physician's Recognition Award. When applying for the AMA PRA, Prescribed credit earned must be reported as Prescribed credit, not as Category 1. For more information about these credits, click here. If you qualify to receive these credits, you may add them for $100.00.

*It is the responsibility of the attendee to adhere to the CME requirements of his/her state licensing board and to ensure these credits will be approved before registering for the summit. IMMH cannot provide this information to attendees. IMMH does not work directly with any specific boards.

Integrative Medicine for Mental Health (IMMH) will e-mail all CME certificates as PDFs 6-8 weeks after the conference.

** If you purchased the wrong accreditation, or would like to add accreditation, please purchase using the form below. If you are not yet registered for the event, you may add accreditation to your order in the “Event Registration” tab. **

event registration

Friday, Saturday and Sunday$399 through October 15, 2018$449 after October 15, 2018

Saturday and Sunday$299 through October 15, 2018$349 after October 15, 2018

Friday (OAT Workshop)$199 through October 15, 2018$249 after October 15, 2018

Attendees on Friday receive a FREE Organic Acids Test, worth $299! *Must have the authority to order laboratory testing. Students will not receive the free test. Summit fees include breakfast, break snacks, and lunches daily.

Accreditation:

CME credits are available for qualified credentials (see below). The fee is $100.00 for the full summit or just day 2 and day 3. The fee is $50.00 for just the Organic Acids Testing Workshop on day one. Please see below for details.

CME/CEU:

DAY ONEWestbrook University will provide 5 CME prescribed credits for the Clinical Significance of Organic Acids Testing. For information about these credits, click here. This day is not AAFP approved.

DAYS TWO & THREE

5 CME prescribed credits per day, provided by Westbrook University, have been approved by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) for MDs, DOs, NDs, DCs, LAcs, NPs, CNs, and PAs. AAFP Prescribed credit is accepted by the American Medical Association as equivalent to AMAPRA Category 1 Credit™ toward the AMA Physician's Recognition Award. When applying for the AMA PRA, Prescribed credit earned must be reported as Prescribed credit, not as Category 1. For more information about these credits, click here. If you qualify to receive these credits, you may add them for $100.00.

*It is the responsibility of the attendee to adhere to the CME requirements of his/her state licensing board and to ensure these credits will be approved before registering for the summit. IMMH cannot provide this information to attendees. IMMH does not work directly with any specific boards.

Integrative Medicine for Mental Health (IMMH) will e-mail all CME certificates as PDFs 6-8 weeks after the conference.

Cancellation Policy

Registration is refundable, minus a $50 processing fee, if your cancellation is received in writing no later than two weeks prior to the workshop date. Attendee substitutions are allowed, but notification must be made within two weeks prior to the workshop date. After this date, under no circumstances will refunds, credits, or substitutions be granted. No refunds or credits will be given to "no shows."